HN Podcast: Off Field Troubles & Howe Predictions

[tksirius]

@RobHowe, I listened to this podcast and around the 12 min mark, you were listing the "hot spots" in regards to who we lost from last year. I noticed you forgot probably the most important person that we don't have back from last year. It really seems like a whole lot of people (media & fans) are failing to understand what Akrum did for this team the last 2 seasons.

I'm not trying to call you out or anything, I'm just perplexed why this happening. He's the most dynamic of a RB we've had since Harmon and saved us several times last season.

 

[RobHowe]

I agree that AW is a huge loss. I do feel good about the group of guys at that position. While none of them are the big-play threat that was AK, I think they can be solid. Iowa’s going to need the big plays from TEs and WRs. IKM also has a chance to be a big-play guy.

 

[CP87]

It is a very interesting discussion. In the NFL, RB is considered to be the most fungible position. Paying big bucks (or investing a high draft pick) for a RB is almost unheard of, with the exception seeming to be springing for an athlete who can be just as dangerous in the passing game as the running game (e.g. Leveon Bell, Saquon Barkley; at the college level AW definitely fits this description).

Of course, Iowa doesn't play in the NFL. I get that sense that in college FB, having a game-changer at RB is crucial because the "replacement-level" player is so much lower. And it is probably more important for Iowa than most because of the way KF wants to play.

But I tend to agree with Rob that we saw enough out of the 2 returning backs to think we can get similar production to last year out of the backfield. Plays like the game-tier vs. ISU, though? That might be tough. Maybe the rest of the offensive collective can come together to make up for that.

 

[deanvogs]

In football the sum of the parts are usually greater than any one individual player. While Akrum is our biggest offensive loss, we have better parts overall offensively than we did last year. A year improved Fant and Hockenson and Stanley will be huge. Any kind of production out of Brandon Smith, and ISM will be better as well. Easley will do Easley things. I see a big improvement coming offensively next year. I said last year we would be better than 2016 offensively, and we were. We went from #95 in scoring to #66 improving by nearly 4 PPG. I think we improve by another 2-4 PPG and are scoring over 30 PPG this year.

Either the black and gold kool aid is getting to me (I'm sure this is part of it), but I just think that Iowa could have a very nice year this year with just a little more consistency on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[RobHowe]

The O-Line needs to be better for it to work. I know. No duh.

As much as people may be underestimating the loss of AK, Daniels and Welsh leaving are significant departures. For me, the jury is still out on Polasek.

 

[deanvogs]

The O-Line needs to be better for it to work. I know. No duh.

As much as people may be underestimating the loss of AK, Daniels and Welsh leaving are significant departures. For me, the jury is still out on Polasek.

The thing about college football is you are always going to be replacing good players. While the interior of the line may not be as good this year, I think the perimeter of the OL will be much stronger. Wirfs and Jackson are a year seasoned which is big.

I also think consistency on the coaching staff will be better. For every good game Brian called (ISU, OSU), he had a stinker as well. I think with Brian and Stanley both in year 2, we will see more consistency on the offensive side of the ball.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

The whole key is if the group of backs can get enough yards to keep moving the chains and keep Iowa in 3rd and shorts. May not have the home run hitter or luxury on every play, but can they get enough yards to keep the chains moving and Iowa in 3rd and short where can utilize the entire playbook.

 

[MelroseHawkins]

Just getting some production out the WR position should help that running game. If not, then teams can load up to stop the run, even with Iowa TE play.